India finished fifth in the Asia Rugby U20 Mens Sevens Championship, defeating Uzbekistan 47-0 at Dasarath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal today. Four players from Odisha represented India in this tournament. All four are students of Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), Bhubaneswar.

Among the Odisha players, Ganesh Dhangada Majhi, who belongs Bonda tribe, was given the honour to lead the Indian team. Other three Odisha players were: Ashok Hansdah, Asis Sabar and Mangal Soren.

India played a total of four matches in the two-day tournament, won three and lost one. In their first three matches, India lost to Malaysia 7-27, beat Hong Kong and Nepal 22-21 and 28-0 respectively.

Hong Kong China men and Thailand women emerged as the champions of the tournament. Malaysia men and Hong Kong China women secured silver, while Chinese Taipei men and Thailand women settled for the bronze medal. India did not participate in women event, which featured only four countries.

Rugby Football Association (IRFU) organized a coaching camp-cum-selection trial at KIIT University, Bhubaneswar from 29 July to 13 August, 2023.
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PHOTO: Odisha players (L-R) Ashok Hansdah, Ganesh Dhangada Majhi, Asis Sabar and Mangal Soren represented India at the Asia Rugby U20 Mens Sevens Championship in Kathmandu on 19-20 August 2023.